Knowledge and understanding

The course provides advanced knowledge of thermodynamics applied to sustainable energy systems, with particular reference to the first and second laws of thermodynamics, state diagrams, combustion processes, boilers, steam and gas power plants, internal combustion engines, reverse and cryogenic cycles, heat pumps, heat transfer, heat exchangers, cogeneration, advanced energy systems, and renewable energy systems. The course also enables students to understand the environmental impact of energy systems and their role in industrial sustainability.

Applying knowledge and understanding

At the end of the course, students will be able to analyse and compare different energy systems, interpret thermodynamic diagrams and processes, assess the operation of the main components and cycles, estimate energy and environmental performance, and identify possible solutions to improve efficiency and sustainability.

Making judgements

Students will develop the ability to formulate independent technical assessments concerning the selection and use of energy technologies, taking into account performance, application constraints, energy consumption, emissions, and integration with renewable sources.

Communication skills

Students will be able to describe principles, components, cycles, and performance of energy systems using appropriate technical language, and to discuss their evaluations clearly and rigorously.

Learning skills

Students will acquire the methodological tools needed to further develop their knowledge of sustainable energy systems through autonomous study of textbooks, technical documentation, and scientific literature.

The course is delivered through lectures and practical exercises, consistently with the theoretical and applied nature of the subject. Teaching delivery activities are aimed at providing a systematic presentation of thermodynamic fundamentals and of the main energy conversion systems. Interactive teaching activities are devoted to the discussion of application case studies, interpretation of thermodynamic diagrams and cycles, comparison among different energy technologies, and guided solution of problems concerning components and plants. Supporting teaching materials may include lecture notes, slides, and bibliographic references for individual study. If the course is delivered in blended or remote mode, appropriate adjustments may be introduced in order to ensure consistency with the syllabus.

Basic knowledge of thermodynamics, mass and energy balances, heat transfer, fundamentals of fluid mechanics, combustion principles, and the use of the main thermodynamic diagrams is considered important. Any formal prerequisites are those established by the Degree Programme regulations.

1.     First law of thermodynamics and applications.

2.     Ideal gas and adiabatic equation.

3.     Second law of thermodynamics.

4.     State diagrams.

5.     Combustion.

6.     Boilers.

7.     Steam power plants.

8.     Gas power plants.

9.     Internal combustion engines.

10.  Reverse cycles.

11.  Cryogenic cycles.

12.  Heat pumps.

13.  Environmental impact of energy systems.

14.  Heat transfer.

15.  Heat exchangers.

16.  Advanced energy systems.

17.  Cogeneration.

18.  Renewable energy systems.

1.     Dispense del docente / Lecture notes provided by the lecturer: Sustainable Energy Systems.

2.     Mehmet Kanoglu, Yunus A. Cengel, Fundamentals and Applications of Renewable Energy, McGraw-Hill, 2019.

3.     Yunus A. Cengel, Michael A. Boles, Thermodynamics: An Engineering Approach, McGraw-Hill, 2019.

4.     Ibrahim Dincer, Marc A. Rosen, Sustainable Energy Systems and Applications, Springer, 2011.

5.     Kanoglu, Cengel, Dincer, Efficiency Evaluation of Energy Systems, Springer, 2012.

6.     Alireza Bahadori, Pollution Control in Oil, Gas and Chemical Plants, Springer, 2014.

The final assessment consists of a written multiple-choice test covering the entire course programme. The test is aimed at verifying knowledge of the theoretical contents, understanding of the operating principles of energy systems, the ability to connect the different topics of the course, and the appropriate use of technical terminology. The evaluation will take into account the correctness of the answers, their relevance to the proposed questions, mastery of the fundamental concepts, and the ability to frame energy systems also from a performance and environmental perspective. The final mark is expressed in thirtieths.

·       18-21: basic knowledge of the main contents and elementary understanding of the topics;

·       22-25: fair knowledge of the subjects and sufficient ability to connect the course topics;

·       26-28: good knowledge of the contents, appropriate analytical ability, and adequate technical language;

·       29-30 cum laude: thorough knowledge, full command of the subjects, and strong ability to connect and critically interpret the topics.

Learning assessment may also be carried out online, should conditions require it. To ensure equal opportunities and compliance with current regulations, students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, according to the educational objectives and specific needs, also with the support of the Department CInAP contact person.

1.     State and discuss the first law of thermodynamics for closed and open systems.

2.     Explain the physical meaning of the second law of thermodynamics and the role of entropy.

3.     Describe the operation and the main components of a steam power plant.

4.     Compare a gas cycle and a steam cycle in terms of operation and applications.

5.     Explain the operating principles of a heat pump and its main performance indicators.

6.     Describe the role of heat exchangers in energy systems.

7.     Discuss the advantages and limitations of cogeneration.

8.     Analyse the energy and environmental aspects of renewable energy integration in industrial systems.